LOS ANGELES: The Los Angeles Dodgers are adding another high-priced player from Cuba, as they have agreed to a six-year, $62.5 million contract with free-agent infielder Hector Olivera.
Olivera’s deal includes a $28 million bonus, according to agent Greg Genske.
A former standout on Cuba’s national team, the 29-year-old Olivera was primarily a second baseman in his home country. He can also play third base.
The Dodgers will have multiple vacancies in their infield at the end of the 2015 season, as second baseman Howie Kendrick, shortstop Jimmy Rollins and third baseman Juan Uribe will become free agents.
Olivera will be the fourth Cuban defector to land an eight-figure contact with the Dodgers, as he follows outfielder Yasiel Puig (seven years, $42 million), infielder Alex Guerrero (four years, $28 million) and shortstop Erisbel Arruebarrena (five years, $25 million).
Olivera’s deal will cause a $4,173,333 increase in this year’s luxury tax for the Dodgers.
Olivera has a mysterious history. He was sidelined for the Cuban league’s entire 2012-13 season with what was reported to be a blood clot in his left arm. He returned the next season, but played the majority of the time as a designated hitter rather than at his regular position at second base.
He represented his country at the 2009 World Baseball Classic, at which Baseball America called him the No. 4 prospect on his team. The three who were ranked ahead of him were Aroldis Chapman, the closer for Cincinnati ; Yoenis Cespedes, an outfielder with Detroit; and Yulieski Gourriel, who remains in Cuba.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers will rest pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu for two weeks to see if it helps ease the discomfort in his left shoulder.
